]]>We have seen on the Lego Excavator an interesting thing about lego axles. In this episode, we will look in depth on this subject : the air bubbles in lego.

After discover air bubble in axle during the CT scanner of a lego Excavator #42006, I wanted to know if the air bubbles were present for a long time or only on this Excavator. Therefore I took from my collection several axles from several years, including those from my dark age, and starts CT-scan to look into. Here is the result in video :

Then, I can say the axle from lego is full of air bubbles. I do not think lego want to have air bubbles in the parts, it exists a molding process called Mucell in order to inject air bubble to reduce the cost of plastics material. But I do not think lego make that because the result is not very similar.

I think this air bubbles are a consequence of molding and injection point because on the axle of 5.5L, there are not air bubbles because the injection point is not the same. To finish, I think lego is aware about that for year ago (we can see it by cutting the axle, not only making X-ray scan), but as it doesn’t clearly affect the design or performance (a bit in torsion résistance), Lego do not care about it.

You can see HD picture and picture of the axle, which some of them, have many scratch !

]]>The sixth vlog about news, big project and featured channel with English subtiles.

Three point to discuss, first about my current creation to be build (a big 8×8 all-terrain transport truck). Second a big project which tooks many time for me next months, thefore there will be a break in lego creations until summer. And finally I present some channels who deserve more subs about clock and escapment !

]]>A compact tracked loader featured powered tread, raised and tilted bucket with dual pivot boom in very small volume. With building instructions.

Review

After making my last creation (Leaning Tricycle) using Buwizz, I wanted to re-test sbrick, as it never worked for me and my google phone since I have. And I was surprised that the dev team have made a update and it finally works on my asus phone ! So I would like to make a little creation to test it.

The idea was at first to build a small 4 motors creations to be controlled by the buwizz. But I do not want to make an other crawler or wheeled loader, so I add the challenge to make the smallest crawler loader I can.

The tracked loaded is build using only M motor for the small size. 2 Of them are located in the chassis underneath the cabin and drive each track with 12/20t and 8/24 gearing ensuring a good speed with accurate control. Note on this picture that I have placed the battery box upside down in order to fit the wire.

The lifting of the boom is powered by a M-motor placed behind the drivetrain. It operates two linear actuators. Note that the model of inspiration was the John Deere 323 who has a interesting boom mechanism, composed of 2 links which differs from the classic Bobcat mechanism wich long rod. This mechanism enables here to have better travel for the bucket but also a better force repartition. In deed the load tends to pull the connecting rod in steel instead of the actuators. Here is in lego enables to have compact solutions and high travel.

The tilting of the bucket is at least powered by a M-Motor which drives a small linear actuator on the righ side. Then a system of lever and connecting rod ensuring the tilting of the bucket. At the begining I use worm screw and 8t gearing for tilting the bucket which was a more compact solution but was too fast and not accurate. Therefore this solution is a bit less compact but still have a better accuracy of position which is better for playbility.

To conclude, this moc is very compact and playable, with 4 functions in it, this is one of the smallest tracked loader in lego. I use lipo battery with sbrick, but this is also compatible with classic IR receiver (need 2 and there is enough room in the cab) or the buwizz instead of sbrick plus lego battery box. This model is not equipped with light but you can easily add it.

Either solutions are plug and play on the crawler loader. All parts for mounting the battery and receiver are included no matter which solutions do you choose.

Building Instructions

After making this small moc, I wanted to make the instructions in order to enable you to rebuild it because this is a good moc to play, one of the smallest loader and can be equipped with sbrick or buwizz or lego Ipower functions solutions. I have created consequently two building instructions. One for sale at 5€ with pro looking (like the official lego one), and one for free based on detail photo sequence. Therefore, you can buy it to support me, or just watch it for free, as you want.

Pro Instructions

By using the next up paypal button, you will get the pro-building instruction in PDF for 5€.

- Get the PDF building instructions of the compact tracked loader version for 5€
If you browser can read the PDF, please wait until the end of the download (it can take some minutes) and after save it on your computer. Please Note that this page will be opened only one time so please be patient to download and saves you copy of the PDF. If your browser can not read the PDF, you will be ask to save it directly on your computer. If you have trouble to download your copy of the PDF after payment, please contact me using the “About Page”. Note that you can print it, but not copy or distribute. Many thank you for supporting my work

Important note : the wires are not represented in this instruction. You can help you by watching the free photo sequence but the main point is to connect the motor on the receiver and put the rest of wire in the cab, nothing more complex.

]]>A leaning tricycle powered by Buwizz 2.0 with RC buggy motor, steering with servomotor, working handlebars, lights, and suspensions. With building instructions.

This creation was developed to test the new Buwizz 2.0 and to create a three wheeled vehicle. I was inspired by leaning tricycle of trike and from the B-twin electrical concep, that was also the occasion to use the small amount of parts I have in medium blue (some panels and beams).

The drive is ensured by a buggy motor on the slowest output, with a chain with 16/40t gearing. Ensuring a high speed with nice acceleration. In this rare case, the particular shape of the buggy motor is useful to made the chassis and have the rear suspensions located in. Note that I have used a small turntable to support the rear arm in order to have something strong. Despite this, the wheel tends to angle a little with the weight and acceleration.

The front suspensions are made by double wishbones with shock absorbers which are very classic. But the functioning of the steering and leaning is very interesting. The two shock absorbers are attached to a T-shaped pillar which can rotate by using the servomotor. In this case, when the leaning pillar is rotated, the tricycle leans without locking the suspensions.

But this is not enough to get the tricycle steered. The leaning is useful for center of gravity especially in three wheeled vehicle. The hub of the axle has to be steered when the tricycle leans. It only needs a small angle to have correct steering. It is made by rotating a little the part which connects the two steering links. It is in fact connected to the axle of the leaning pillar enables to have the leaning linked to the steering and thanks to that have a correct steering during a turning.

Regarding the design, the model is equipped with rear and front lights using LED from lego and transparent bionicle tooth in order to have a lighting signature. The design is made using medium panel and beam, with some other parts in black for the structure. Note that the buwizz is located behind the seat in the back frame. I have tried to make a good design with a speed impression using round and curvy shape like the rear or the front, but also some futuristic elements like the lights, dashboard and handlebar or seat. I think it could have been better if I had 3×11 curved panels for the roof instead of black.

To finish with the performance. There are very good, the buwizz ensures a very good power on the buggy motor, I do not use the ludicrous mode on the video, only normal and the tricycle reaches a good speed with also steering abilities. In dead, the combinaison of leaning and small steering ensure a good stability in curve even at maximum speed. You can see at the end that the tricycle roll over, this is due to a slipping on the water on the ground combing with acceleration and turning.

]]>Here is the retrospective of the 2017 year, with important moments, stats and future projects.

Creations

There were 10 creations for this year (with a small one for halloween), which is less comparing to 2016 but due to my move on in a new flat with some tasks to do in it. Here are the top ranked creations by views on 2017 :

The biggest work has been on the honda NSX, which took me 3 months to get, which is normal regarding the complexity of the design. A second interesting point is about the warthog. I wanted for a while to build something with big tyres with all drive and steering on all wheels. Plus with the Halo franchise, this warthog has been a good success. It is also interesting to note that the other rover vehicle did not have the same success than the previous, despite a bigger moc, including functions like pneumatic suspensions, crab steering etc. The last interesting point is about the repeating crossbow which is an improvement of the previous crossbow with automatic magazine and better shooting distance which has good success.

Instructions

Regarding the instructions, there were now more than 70 instructions, including 26 with pro looking rendering instructions for sale. I have added some instructions for old moc (like the Digicomp or the morgan made by Kevin wiliams) and rework some of old one. The idea is to made pro instructions when many people ask or when I think it could be interested for user to have this.

You may have notice that some instructions which were provided for free and now for sale (like the trial jeep or roadster for instance). This is due to two things. the first is that now my lego occupation enables me to have small revenue for these sales and I want to build up of this works (buy parts, sets, material for filming and editing etc.). And secondly because I note that there are many reproductions of my creations, with rarely credits, and many groups of sharing instructions (forum, facebook, youtube, even in torrent) who share instructions of people without credit it or simply steal design. That is why I decided to make this pro-rendering instructions for sale to discourage people who take these to not share easily (if I buy an instruction, I will do not post it for free on facebook or other because I know the needed work for the designer and I want to build this for myself using the instructions I paid for).

But, do not be upset about it because for all creations with pro instructions for sale, there are often (almost always) free building instructions based on photo sequence which are in good quality including the bill of material. Note that this is very rare that designer proceed like that, in general, they made a pro-instructions for sale and that is all. Even if I only made photo sequence and inventory on rebrickable, it takes times of work so when I can, I did a pro instructions but this is not systematic. Therefore, with my way of work, you can choose to pay for supporting me, or not, as you want. And for those who pay, gains a high quality PDF as the building instructions for a reasonnable price depending of the size of the moc (between 5 to 10€).

You can note that approaching christmas the sale are more important, maybe for a gift ?

“Note also that I hide anything in my work, there are plenty of builder who do not show the interior of a creation but mine yes. There are pictures and instructions to see how it is made and encourage people to rebuild it and modify it. Everybody can download a free instructions, or paid for a pro-one to support my work.”

Mocplans has merged to rebrickable current 2017, it enables now to everyone to buy a instructions and test it before if they can build it. Rebrickable is becoming one of the most important website to deal with creations and instructions. I remember the begining when my trial jeep was the first moc added on rebrickable and now there are more than thousand ! Consequently I put my building instructions for sale at rebrickable with the same price as my website (even if there is a comission for rebrickable which is normal). I was affraid that people will buy on rebrickable instead on my blog (maybe because it looks more proffessionnal and e-market, mine are only automated paypal buttons) but in fact my sale increased about 50% thanks to that, meaning that the population on rebrickable is not exaclty the same on my blog (people find me by my blog, but also by rebrickable).

Here is the graphic which displays the repartition of building instructions sold since 2015 :

As always, the mechanical devices are the most sold with then the car with the honda RA300 and the LMP1. This is the same tendency as previous year. Also 90% of sale and from new buyer. Only 10% goes again.

New Concept

2017 introduced one new concept : lego under x-ray. As I work in company who develops and produces tomograph (I work in mechanical design office), I can scan many things I want, included lego. That is why I wanted to explore that. I started with the exploration of a failure in a servo motor which shows a problem on wire.

Then I made a video to see how a wind up motor is made and then a 3D scan of the lego 42006 excavator which show air bubble in lego axle. The next will be about this air buuble in lego axle with researches by year. The video have a great success with some views (less than a classic creation but more than a vlog) even if this video are less viral than other creation but you made really good comment and discussion on youtube and facebook. And this encourage me to continue.

I have also continue the vlog session with features some channel who deserve more subs, first about vehicle, then machine, then GBC. I will made the next about LPE and then again on vehicle. But on vehicle there are plenty of small channels with some good works but I do not know how to do this because there are 50 channel to featured so maybe a big video of many other, I keep searching how to present that.

Anyway, the views are of course less than classic video (again because this is not viral) but if it can give some subs to channel who deserve, it is good for me. It takes me not many many time (only for subtitles which is time keeper to do) so to wait between two video this is nice. Of course, they are not calendar for this type of content, only when I have time and inspiration.

The last news thing is about Mochub but we will discuss here below.

Material

2017 was a great year for purchasing new material for filming and editing. I have bough several things which improve the quality of video or reduce the time. First a new grey background which is in vinyl which is better for washing and I wanted to test the grey color instead of white to have the white parts good shaped. The second about the pack-shot studio was the two lamp for light the scene which enables me to shot when I want. I bought also a new tripod to replace my old crappy amazon tripod which is way better for stability. The last purchase for the pack-shot was a small slider enabling me to make traveling scene. You can see it on my last creation.

I have also replaced my editing software from window Movie Maker by the filmora editing software which is not expensive and have many features like timetable, sound effect, multiple video and transition. A bit like premiere pro or other but simplier and less expensive. I have also upgrade my graphic card for a Nvidia GTX 960 ti which is of course for gaming but also for video editing.

I have also moved my website on a new server dedicated because of the traffic, it costs more a years but enables me to have features that I need it for the payment, and better traffic management. I think now I have enough material to be comfortable to shot and editing video.

Mochub

The mochub service was definitively the biggest work I did on this year. Contacting my mochub in middle of year, I worked on it 6 month to get ready for 2018 to be present on the launch of mochub. What is mochub ? This is a website which enables the lego fans to buy creations from their lego authors. Including parts and building instruction. No need to order separately the parts and buy the instructions, all is now in one package. I have made a video explained the functioning of this service. And I will soon review a package send by mochub of a Citroen 2CV.

After selecting the moc I wanted to have for sale on mochub, I started to check all building instructions and bill of material on rebrickable and sheet. It has be a huge works on it, in order to not have mistakes. Plus that some of my creation for sale have been redesigned to have a price more affordable by not using rare and expensive parts. As mochub uses bricklink for sources the parts, it is sensible to the exchange rate of lego parts. That is why, sometime on some mocs, the price is not very cheap, plus if there are power functions elements.

This is the case of the big 2CV I made years ago. The number of parts (more than 2000) combined with very expensive wheels, shock absorbers, panel, flex and connector give a high price. That is why I started to work on a more affordable creation about a Citroen 2CV : the small 2Cv project was born.

The idea was to build a small Citroen 2CV with functions which uses common parts in order to have a low price. I consequently built a 2CV at 1/15 with many colored version available. After showing to some 2CV fan, I had great return and starts to sell it on mochub.

After two month of sale, I can say that I am very happy of it, I have sold tens of mechanical loom, braiding machine, and the small 2CV which have good success and comfort me that there are customer for offer like that, for people who are ok to pay more to not have to buy the parts on bricklink and avoid mistakes (plus that in certain region lego bricklink are very expensive). For people who find that this is too expensive for what it is, I understand the point, and truly encourage you to test on rebrickable the price of a creation before saying it is too expensive. And of course, if you are comfortable to order directly on bricklink depending of your collection, please dot it, this is not a obligation to buy on mochub.

“The idea in any way is not to make profit but enables everyone to buy a single package with all parts and instructions of my creations.”

Please note also that the price on mochub includes shipping and there is small royalty for the designer (around 10% of price of parts). As it uses bricklink to sources the parts, it can never be the same price as the official lego set because bricklink vendor buy set and then dismantle them (so add a margins to live). And that the expected sale are not the same like Lego (no batch scale economy), mochub buy their lego parts to at full price (I think third or four time than lego produce) and then resell it by adding the value of packing all the parts for a dedicated moc. So this is the price, depending of bricklink, and I can do nothing for it, only by reducing my royalty which is almost low. Anyway, this services was very requested from fans so I hope you like it.

Stats

Youtube

I have made 21 videos in 2017, to compare with the 23 in 2016 (but with more announcement and 4 videos for one creation : mechanical calculator). For me despite the lack of video in begining of 2017, I have made more works about making video for the Vlog, and news serie “lego under x-ray”. Despite that, the stats on youtube show a overall decrease.

Overall stats from the begining 2007-2017

From the begining the channel grows slowly and then in 2013 the mechanical loom goes viral which bring lot of view to it. Late in 2014 and 2015, I have a constant growth but since 2016 I observe a decrease of view. I do not think this is due to the content in 2016 because I have made as usual one creation a month, and some of them has been viral and I tried to made quality works. Regarding 2017, I think this is a little due to the lack of video in beginning of 2017 but I think youtube has also not featured as usual my video. I have 40k subs which generate traffic on my channel, but when I have some video which has more than 100k views a month, this is not due to my subscribers, but from the viral users (when my video is enlighted on some website or by youtube in recommandation). So If youtube doesn’t feature me as usual It affect the views.

Overall stats for 2017

Plus that concerning the revenue, it is very very low since 2015. This is due to youtube adpocalypse which is a escape of many ads group from youtube which consequently pay less and on less video. Plus that they have been since 2015 many bullshit content with fake news, prank, video top which have consequently grew and kept revenue and views from other videos. The fact is I think that people have many content to watch and not enough time to do it. That is why, I think youtube has becoming a not reliable source for view and revenue. Sometimes a video gone viral and make many view and some revenue, and sometime a other video (which is way better) has not the success it deserves (It can be demoralize to based only on youtube stats).

“It comforts me in the way to use youtube only for making video in addition to the pictures and reviews, but not to represent the way you like my video because some video goes viral, and some other not, not depending of the quality or the amount of works.”

Top sources of traffic

So if youtube continue to this way, I think remove the ads on my channel, this is not for a few dollars that seems worthwile. The only intterogation is about that if my video is not monetized, youtube will feature less (because youtube only featured ads-friendly content at this stage). To finish, here is the most viewed video of the year :

Good news, this is no longer the mechanical loom which is first (such a crappy video). The top is composed of good videos with good creations (the mechanical loom is a good creation but a crappy work in progress video). The Hot bulb tractor is a bit old video, but the Fast Braiding Machine is a good surprise because this is a creation who deserves many views and it has.

Nico71 blog

This is not many to say about the nico71 blog. As I said in 2016 the aim of nico71.fr is to bring all data of my works, including review, pictures, videos, and building instructions. As a new functionality is the automated process for payment for building instructions using paypal button. I do not have now to send you manually the PDF, all is generate and then automatically. It can occur some fails on old device but in general it works very fine and user are happy with it.

Regarding the stats, they are a bit in decrease I think because of the 3 months without video in beginning of 2017 and because the Vlog post is not very interesting as the main information is on the video.

2016 : 17k sessions, 66k viewed pages, 3.30min average time

2017 : 14k sessions, 50k viewed pages, 3.30min average time

Stats about country, language and new visitor/old are the same in 2016. Here the 2017 graph :

I have also rework all thumbnail of my channel with clear color scheme according to my blog, now it looks more pro !

Conclusion – 10 years of Lego

2017 is special, I have my end of darkage in 2007, so now I make lego on youtube and on my blog for 10 years ! 10 years of creations (around one/month, more than 70 now, not all published), 10 years of making videos, and building instructions, 10 year to create a community of fans which now 40k subscribers on youtube and more than 3.000 on Facebook.

So what remember of this year ? That I continued making lego, create video and more building instructions, but also started new project, like vlog, lego under x-ray serie, and mochub. I can say today that all services for my fans are available, for buying instructions, for buying parts, or just watching my creations.

And what remember of this 10 years ? That I still in activity, to compare with other person who have stopped lego activity, I remember many name of brickshelf on the begining when I looked for new project on inspiration. Now, many have stopped working with lego, but no worry, many have picked up the torch and create many interesting things ! I think I am the oldest lego technic creator still in activity, with sariel and maybe majhqa but still not news since months.

“My policy has never changed, I always wanted that a maximum of people build my creation, that is why I take pictures of inside, underneath, make building instructions and now sell complete package on mochub.”

The only thing which changes is that now some instructions are for sale but are better quality. And as I said, there are still a free one, so is up to you to support my work by purchasing an instruction or not. The goal is only to enable you to rebuild a creation of mine.

What’s next ? I am afraid that I can not tell now, after 10 years. Making lego was a passion for me and I want to continue as far as possible, but the years go, and I have less and less time to do, because of works, family and other hobby. I am sometime discouraged by hater’s comment and people always angry about selling instructions or selling moc, but to be honest, I had always made lego for me, to build something and enjoy it, and if people rebuild it, I am happy with it. It is obvious that I was not able to make all this if I would have not compensation (like buying parts, paying the host, server etc.).

I have the chance to create lego quickly, with 20-30 hours of works I create a moc, but make the pictures, photoshop, shot the video, editing, put on youtube, write the English/French review, make the building instructions, take many hours. At minimum 10h with no building instructions and at maximum hundreds. If I do not make building instructions or writing or videos, I could build twice more, that is why I want to build up on this in order that this time will be useful.

“If there comes a time when I have not enough time to make lego, I will no longer make many mocs and instructions, only pictures and videos, maybe review and just build slower.”

So I can not say what the future will be but what I can say, is that I thank you, all of you, to be here with me, to comment and share and like my creations, and also to create lego and keep growing this community. Have a nice year and keep the good (lego) work !

]]>A Lego reproduction of a iconic car, the Citroën 2CV in 1/15 scale, featured independent suspensions, steering with steering wheel and HOG on the rear, and openable doors, hood and trunk with detailed interior and engine. With pro-building instructions and also available for sale on mochub in 11 different colored versions.

Context

After designing my big Lego technic Citroen 2CV, you were many to ask building instructions, which I did with the help of Thorsten Spelz. After some year, the company Mochub contact me to be one of builders on the website. I added some moc and the big 2CV because you were also many to ask. But the availability and the price of used parts made that the price was very pricy, that is why I have decided to build a second smaller Citroen 2Cv which can be produced at a good price with some functions.

I have started in November and work hard to get the Citroen 2Cv project ready for the begining of 2018. I have used rebrickable and the team of mochub to know which parts I can use, and which I can not. Thanks to that, I design 11 differents colored version based on real version of the 2CV but without using too much rare parts and expensive. This article will present the first version I build, the Dolly White and Red version.

Functionalities

In order to have small price for this serie of moc, I decided to start with a 1/15 scale (dimensions are Wheel : Ø44mm, 26cm (L) x 11cm (W) x 12cm (H) ) which enables me to have some functionnalities without to big creation. First the suspensions, they are independent with swing arm like on real and shoch absorbers placed on the floor. Of course at this scale it is not possible to reproduce the complex functionning of linkage between front and rear suspensions. But as the suspensions are quite soft, it is very nice to play with it.

The second functionality is the steering. The steering is operated by linkage between the two wheels, then connected to other connecting rod on a lever. The steering wheel operates this lever with a low amplitude but works nice. The Hand of god placed at the rear is removable and operate a other lever which connected to the first. Consequently the steering can be operated either front the back, or the dashboard.

The last functionalities are about the opening elements. The four doors, trunk and hood can be open which reveal a detailed engine and interior with seats.

Design

Of course the design was also an important point to manage. But the Citroen 2Cv has the advantages to have particular shapes which are recognizable. I have to make this particular shape well done in order to regonize easily the 2Cv for non Lego users. Which I succeed I think.

The front and rear wings was the important point. I re-used the techniques on my previous big 2Cv in lego which is to use soft axle and beam to get the front mudguard. For the rear, I use small panel to keep the suspensions working and a soft axle for the shape of the rear mudguard.

Regarding the hood, it is composed of beam and soft axle to have the correct shape. It is a bit bulky at this scale but it was not possible to make it better without having the open hood. Under the hood, you can see a detailed engine.

The other important point was the openable elements, I wanted to have the whole doors which can be open but also the trunk and the hood. Regarding the doors, as I wanted to have a non expensive price for this moc on mochub, I have to chose correctly the parts, including the length of flex, that Is why the building is a bit special with a connection point on the bottom instead of two points (I have to use a 12L flex, instead of a 7L which is not available in many color).

This is the same reason why there are some black parts on the hood or roof, because I have used parts which are not expensive and available in many color. That is why I have used mainly connector instead of bush-axle. All that to say, that I had to manage the design of original 2CV but also the chosen parts. But at the final, the shape is well respected and the particular shape are well done which make the 2CV easily recognizable.

Pictures and Video

Buying The Creations

The Mini 2CV is available in 11 different versions, including Dolly (white/red, White/green, White/orange, White/blue, White/blue roof), Charleston (Black and Red, Black and white), Plan (Red, white, black) and Spot Version. By clicking on the pictures, you will be redirected to the mochub website to buy it. Note that all package included the needed parts for building you own Citroen 2CV and the building instructions in PDF.

You can contact mochub at help@mochub.com or by using the contact page if you are a 2Cv club to organize a group order.

Buying The Building Instructions

If you do not want to buy the whole package on mochub of parts plus instructions, you can only buy the building instructions. Either you have already the needed parts, or you can buy it by your own on bricklink or other website you want. You can check the rebrickable inventory (soon published) :

I have made 11 different instructions for the 11 versions of the Citroen 2CV to avoid ambiguity, plus that some elements are composed of different parts regarding the color availability (the case for the spot and green version). You can see here sample of the building instructions :

By using the following paypal buttons, you will get the versioned building instruction in PDF for 7.5€.

For all payment, after your payment, click on “return to MocShop” and wait for the redirection, you will be redirected directly on the PDF file.

Citroen 2CV Dolly White/Red

- Get the PDF building instructions of Dolly White/Red version for 7.5€

Citroen 2CV Dolly White/Blue

- Get the PDF building instructions of Dolly White/Blue version for 7.5€

Citroen 2CV Dolly White/Blue with roof

- Get the PDF building instructions of Dolly White/Blue with blue roof version for 7.5€

Citroen 2CV Dolly White/Green

- Get the PDF building instructions of Dolly White/Green version for 7.5€

Citroen 2CV Dolly White/Orange

- Get the PDF building instructions of Dolly White/Orange version for 7.5€

Citroen 2CV Plain White

- Get the PDF building instructions of Plain White version for 7.5€

Citroen 2CV Plain Red

- Get the PDF building instructions of Plain Red version for 7.5€

Citroen 2CV Plain Black

- Get the PDF building instructions of Plain Black Version for 7.5€

Citroen 2CV Charleston Black/Red

- Get the PDF building instructions of Charleston Black/Red for 7.5€

Citroen 2CV Charleston Black/White

- Get the PDF building instructions of Charleston Black.white Version for 7.5€

Citroen 2CV Spot Orange/White

- Get the PDF building instructions of Spot Orange/White Version for 7.5€
After your payment, click on “return to MocShop” and wait for the redirection, you will be redirected directly on the PDF file.
If you browser can read the PDF, please wait until the end of the download (it can take some minutes) and after save it on your computer. Please Note that this page will be opened only one time so please be patient to download and saves you copy of the PDF. If your browser can not read the PDF, you will be ask to save it directly on your computer. If you have trouble to download your copy of the PDF after payment, please contact me using the “About Page”. Note that you can print it, but not copy or distribute. Many thank you for supporting my work

]]>The third episode of the Lego under X ray, about this time the 3D scan of the #42006 Excavator.

After exploring a lego servo motor and a wind up motor , I wanted to scan a bigger structure, not to find how it works or find something broken but have a 3D model of it. In deed, the tomography enables the model to be scanned by rotating the model and take pictures each step, then with a algorithm of reconstruction, it reconstructs a full 3D model which can be explored slices by slices or export in .STL file. The model is the Lego excavator #42006, here is the video :

As you can see, the 3D model shows some interesting things. First we can see of course the whole parts composed of the model, maybe interesting to know how it is build but as the structure is quite open, it is easy to understand. I think it could be better to scan a more complicated and small-integrated model. Second is the interior of the linear actuators with a metallic worm screw and axle, again known from years now but nice to see under X-ray without dismantling it.

The third is the most important, there are some air bubbles found in the lego axle. I don’t know why even if I have some clue at this stage, but the resolution of the scan is too small to get proper information (volume, shape, distribution). Therefore I will make an other video to explore this on several axle because it could be interesting to show this in higher definition of scan. Here is the screenshot where you can see the air bubbles in the axle.

]]>Always ask for buying my creations ? Now you can, with the new service Mochub !

I have always wanted to give you building instructions for my creation, and since 2015 I decided to sell some of them which require lot of work. There are therefore more than 100 instructions for free and some for sale. But you have been many to ask if you can buy the whole creation, including parts and instructions. Of course I could not because this is my own collection and if I sell it, I have not enough part to continue my lego aventure.

But now, you can ! Thanks to the new service Mochub from the Hungarian company “We love what you build“. This company is a 7 years old company with 9 employees who have a bricklink and brickown store. They handle many order every day, and has launched the new service Mochub.

“On Mochub, creator can sell their design, fans can buy it !”

This new service enables to each creator to uplaod their creations and ask for a quotation to the mochub service. Then Mochub send a report with the cost, shipping fees, recommended retail price and your commission. Thanks to that, creator can sell their design, but fans can buy it !

Here is the point, now you can buy some of my creations. I have selected some of my most instructions-sold creations to propose you. Of course the price is more expensive that the lego shop equivalent but because depends of the price of parts on bricklink. But it enables you to not have to make many bricklink order with shipping cost with the risk to forget parts if you have ordered it by yourself (and personally order on bricklink is quite a mess to find all I need ! Some people like it, but definitively not me ^^)

Here is a complete solution, for a small extra cost (or nothing compare to multiple order from bricklink), you can afford you creations from your favorites builders !

“No need to multiple order on bricklink, only one order for one creation.”

The functionning is very simple for ordering, browsing the creations you want (please select the correct on, I have made some different version with or without battery box if you have already one) and then, buy on paypal. You will receive your brand new parts within 9-13 days, and the PDF instructions by email.

“Brand new parts, shipping included, PDF instructions included by email.”

I wanted for a while to build new creation based on pneumatic and great ball contraption. At the beginning I wanted to create a vertical sculpture with powered ball clock but because of lack of parts to create the structure, I changed my plan to create a horizontal creation. The idea was found at the end to match the design with a mine with a rotating pump jack and sliding trolley, powered by a pneumatic engine.

The pneumatic engine is a single engine with a non modified switch and a inertia wheel with 1:5 ratio increasing (like my old one but better built and balanced). It enables the engine to run smoothly without stops under charge. A centrifugal governor is only for viewing convenience and has no regulator function. Note that the timing ignition is set to 30° and do not require adjustment and the engine run at 100rpm at its maximum with 5 hand pump. You pump, start the engine, and it runs. I have also made a clutch system in order to start the engine, and then power the mine using sliding gear.

The first important point is the timing door which is composed of two lever connected with gearing, and operated by a lever and connecting rod. It enables the ball to by released only one per one when the cage comes down to catch it. I have seen that for the first time on the creation of PV-Production so many thanks to him for the idea.

The second device is the pump jack mounted on the derrick oil, it is very simple with a oscillating beam which is connected to the rotating lever and the cage. In the cage there is a slope which enables to lock the ball against the wall and on the top release it on the two rails. After rolling on the rails, the ball comes in the trolley.

The trolley is powered by a lever with connecting rod, which makes move the trolley back and forth on the yellow rail. On the top on the rail, the trolley comes against a liftarm which forces it to rotate and then release the ball and the process is repeated again and again.

The hardest part of this creation was to fit all mechanical and ball passages in the frame. I did not want to have a huge creation in order to not use many parts. That is why I have started with the pump jack and timing doors, makes the two rails and the trolley system, and then plug the engine. In this case, the construction is quite compact and of course divided in sub-models, enabling to set up the timing pretty easily (which is very tolerant regarding timing between axle). At the end, the functioning is smooth, quite slow but very nice to see. Of course the pneumatic engine can be replaced by electrical motor if you have not the parts or the hand-pump and having a great ball contraption.

Building Instructions

I have made instructions for this creation. This times by taking huge amount of picture and do publishing process to get a nice photo sequence instructions, with the bill of material per step. This type of instructions enable me to do what I want regarding the building process, the view and some additionnal functions (arrow, circle and so on). I hope you will like this new type. You can see sample below. As usual, you can buy it for 5€ and then download the instruction immediately. Here is the complete bill of material in picture file :

But you can also checked it on rebrickable (or make any export you want)

Please note that the 5 hand pump is a minimum with the air tank to have correct functionning. You can replace by home made compressor, bike pump or air tank bottle but in lego, you will need 5 handpump plus a air tank. Note the hose use can be replace by any lengh you want except the two on the engine which are 9cm and 13.5cm.

By using the next up paypal button, you will get the building instruction in PDF for 5€.

- Get the building instructions for 5€

After your payment, click on “return to MocShop” and wait for the redirection, you will be redirected directly on the PDF file.

If you browser can read the PDF, please wait until the end of the download (it can take some minutes) and after save it on your computer. Please Note that this page will be opened only one time so please be patient to download and saves you copy of the PDF. If your browser can not read the PDF, you will be ask to save it directly on your computer. If you have trouble to download your copy of the PDF after payment, please contact me using the “About Page”. Note that you can print it, but not copy or distribute. Many thank you for supporting my work

Engine Instructions

For those people who do not want to buy the instructions and are only interested by the engine, I have made some photo sequence to enable to rebuild it. This is a standard single engine, with cam crankshaft, new switch, connecting rod and lever mechanism, with 30° timing. Please not you will need 2 or 3 hand pump to get works, or compressor, and air tank or air bottle.

For marking the occasion, I have decided some weeks ago to build a special creation for halloween. I wanted to create a pumpkin in lego with lights in it but not figure out to build correct shape with the orange parts I have. Therefore, I have decided to build a lighting sculpture of a monster.

There are two Led Lights from lego (so 4 LED), which is connected to the lipo battery. Then, I put on other motor and battery to make alternately rotate the control of power of the light, in order to have a alive effect.

The principal difficulty was to obtain the correct shape on the mouth and the eye especially in the dark. Then I uses translucent red parts for the teeth because with black one, there was not enough light power to have a good effect. Regarding the result I think I would need a other light on the center to have a complete and proper mouth illumination.

The second important point was to avoid light leak because if there is, the viewing result will not be good. That I do by making a box around the light to prevent leak and add a black flat panel on the rear in order to limit the light reflection on the background. The result is not perfect but this is lego technic, not system, so I can not make full dark boxes. The effect is still conclusive by displaying at the Halloween night and have some good returns.

]]>The second Video Lego under X-ray, about the small wind up motor #42073.

Wind up motor always fascinated me, how does it work and are made ? There are two type in lego. The first one is the wind up motor, which is wound by an input and give power by a other output, often slow but constant, used in machine or play sports. The second type has the same input and output also called Pull-back motor, classical used in small pull back car. We will see this type of motor in a next video.

The wind up motor today is the 42073 which is a small box with a input and output. Here is the X-ray analysis :

You can see many design point here, the first is how does it made. It is made by using a spiral spring to bring the power and then restitutes. This spring is loaded by the input using plenty of gears but especially a ratchet mechanism to prevent loaded the motor in incorrect way.

The second point is about the speed of this motor, it is in fact pretty slow and constant to compare to the pull back motor which has a speed and torque depending of how it is loaded. This slow and constant speed is used by a geared up inertia wheel, in order to give enough intertia and thus energy to drive the output slowly and constantly (that is why it is used in machine of lego soccer and football sport).

The last design point is a bout a special function in order to keep the output running even the spring is totally unload. On a pull back motor, it is important to let the car or the mechanism running when the spring is unloaded. But it is also useful for small wind up motor, especially if it drives inertia model or machine. This function is made by an axle of a gear which can move inside the casing. In the first way of rotation (loaded the spring or running the mechanism), the axle is locked in the casing by the force on the gear, enables the running and loading of the spring. But in other way of rotation, the axle is free to move, resulting to not engage the gearing resulting a free rotation of the output after stop of the spring.

Note that the X-ray scan has a lot of metal artefact causes by the metal in the motor (especially the spiral spring) but it doesn’t really affect the understanding of how the lego parts works.